Applications of Innospec Leuna FLEXAREN 18002 EVA in Industrial Manufacturing

Produced at our dedicated facility, FLEXAREN 18002 EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer) finds use in demanding downstream sectors. Our technical support ensures reliable compliance and quality for each industrial scenario below.

1. Hot Melt Adhesive Formulation

Hot melt adhesives engineered with FLEXAREN 18002 serve industrial settings that require controlled viscosity, rapid set times, and strong tack. Formulators adapt resin and wax ratios to specific application lines in packaging and woodworking. Compounding machinery introduces the EVA granulate into the heated mix with precise temperature and speed control to achieve uniform melt distribution. Final adhesives meet stringent bond strength and aging resistance needs in automated high-throughput environments.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 175.105 (Adhesives for indirect food contact packaging)
• REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 – SVHC compliance
• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
• ASTM D4498 (Standard for hot melt adhesives)

Typical usage ratio

• 15–35% of total adhesive compound by weight, adjusted for melt viscosity, tensile strength, and open time based on substrate and machine type

Downstream process integration

• Direct incorporation in adhesive compounder’s pre-mix stage, before tackifier and wax addition
• Processed in inline melt blending with temperature control (typically 120–180°C)
• Formulation QC managed continuously for consistency of melt flow index

Final product types

• Case and carton sealing adhesives
• Bookbinding glues for automated production lines
• Edge banding and lamination adhesives
• Packaging tapes and labels

2. Footwear Sole and Insole Manufacturing

Industrial sole makers blend FLEXAREN 18002 with loading fillers and plasticizers to optimize elasticity and dimensional stability in foamed and solid soles. The material enters extruders or injection molding machines, where precise control of melt temperature and screw speed determines foam cell structure and expansion. In-mold thermal cycling ensures surface finish and physical resilience. QC labs monitor final density, tear resistance, and abrasion to match rigorous footwear industry benchmarks.

Industry compliance standards

• EN ISO 20344:2021 (Test methods for safety footwear)
• RoHS 2011/65/EU (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
• REACH Annex XVII (Substance restrictions)
• ISO 2023:2011 (Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic—Determination of indentation hardness)

Typical usage ratio

• 40–70% of compound depending on targeted hardness, elasticity, and foaming ratio; higher for full EVA soles, lower when blended with rubber or fillers

Downstream process integration

• Feeding into compounding mixers pre-masticated with crosslinking and blowing agents
• Extrusion or injection molding at 140–180°C depending on finished foam type
• Post-mold trimming and dimensional QC

Final product types

• Lightweight athletic and trainer soles
• Casual shoe insoles
• Industrial safety boot midsoles
• Children’s footwear components

3. Wire and Cable Sheathing Compounds

Wire and cable compounders utilize FLEXAREN 18002 in flame-retarded jacketing and primary insulation, valued for its electrical properties and flexibility over a wide temperature range. Scrap rates in cable production depend on strict moisture and temperature control during compounding. The polymer integrates with stabilizer and flame-retardant packages through continuous twin-screw extrusion, providing smooth sheath surfaces and reliable dielectric strength after crosslinking and cooling stages. Finished cables undergo sequential electrical, migration, and flame propagation tests per sector requirements.

Industry compliance standards

• UL 1581 (Reference Standard for Electrical Wires)
• IEC 60245 & IEC 60502 (Rubber insulated cables and power cables)
• RoHS 2011/65/EU compliance for restricted substances
• VDE 0207-20 (Insulating materials standards)

Typical usage ratio

• 30–80% of sheath compound by weight, typically 60–70% when combined with mineral fillers and FR additives depending on voltage and flexibility class

Downstream process integration

• Continuous gravimetric dosing into extruder post-blending with antioxidants and flame retardants
• Application of crosslinking agents (e.g., peroxide) for special insulation types
• Compounded material extruded directly onto copper or aluminum conductors

Final product types

• Low- and medium-voltage power cables
• Flexible appliance cordage
• Data transmission cables
• Audio/video signal cables

4. Solar Photovoltaic Encapsulant Sheets

Sheet producers select FLEXAREN 18002 for solar module encapsulation because of its crosslinking efficiency and clarity. The raw polymer incorporates UV absorbers and curing agents in well-controlled batch or twin-screw processes to avoid optical defects and gelation. Film extrusion and calendaring set strict gauge tolerances, as any variance affects lamination and field durability. Finished encapsulants must pass moisture barrier, delamination, and PID testing according to international PV standards before downstream module assembly.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215 (Crystalline silicon PV module qualification)
• UL 1703 (Flat-plate PV modules and panels)
• IEC 62788-1-6 (Encapsulant evaluation for PV modules)
• ISO 9001:2015 for sheet production quality

Typical usage ratio

• 60–85% by weight of encapsulant layers, tailored by UV and curing additive loadings; minor adjustments based on desired crosslink density and sheet thickness

Downstream process integration

• Batch or continuous melt-kneading with UV stabilizers and curing agents
• Film extrusion and subsequent calendaring to set final thickness (typically 0.3–0.5 mm)
• Lamination onto solar cells using industrial laminators at controlled time-temperature profiles

Final product types

• Packed PV encapsulant films
• Glass-to-cell bonded laminates
• Double-glass solar module sheets

5. Flexible and Foam Packaging Films

Converters produce a wide range of packaging foams and films by blending FLEXAREN 18002 with nucleating agents and anti-block additives. Strict control over moisture and pellet integrity prevents splice failures and uneven foaming during sheet expansion. Manufacturing lines adjust blowing agent type and dosages in tandem with base polymer flow to meet customer-specific cushioning and transparency needs. Stringent QC inspects cell uniformity, mechanical shock resistance, and odor for compliance with local and international food and retail standards.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 (Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film for food contact)
• EU 10/2011 (Plastic materials and articles for food contact)
• ISO 22000:2018 (Food safety management systems for packaging lines)
• REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006

Typical usage ratio

• 30–70% of total formulation; higher loadings for flexible films, lower when co-extruded with PE or for extra stiffness requirements

Downstream process integration

• Blending with co-extrusion-grade polyolefins and additives in automatic feeders
• Direct extrusion and foaming or flat film blowing depending on final thickness and expansion
• Die-cutting and surface finishing operations as per end specification

Final product types

• Protective packaging foams for electronics
• Food tray liners and flexible wraps
• Consumer product cushioning inserts
• Insulation sheets for perishable goods